HSU to start new round of talks over regional paramedic rosters

The Health Services Union (HSU) says it is readying for another round of negotiations with the state Ambulance Service over rosters for regional paramedics.

Earlier this year the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) ratified an agreement to remove rosters, the union described as 'draconian' and said required paramedics to be on call for 16 hours at a time, seven days week.

But the decision only related to parts New South Wales and meant Central West paramedics were not affected.

The HSU's State Secretary Gerard Hayes is hopeful the previous IRC decision will have an affect on the latest round of talks.

"They're starting to pick up in intensity and the negotiations should be in full swing over the coming month," he said,

One of the important things that has been gleaned through the Industrial Relations Commission hearing is that rosters proposed that are going to increase fatigue levels are not consistent with the way forward and the indeed the Ambulance Service has acknowledged that.

HSU State Secretary, Gerard Hayes

"One of the important things that has been gleaned through the Industrial Relations Commission hearing is that rosters proposed that are going to increase fatigue levels are not consistent with the way forward and the indeed the Ambulance Service has acknowledged that."

The Health Services Union says it plans to oppose an Ambulance Service move to develop a standard rostering system across the state.

"The Ambulance Service are trying to develop a minimum formula across the state," he said.

"We're opposing that and what we'd say is local crews understand their rostering requirements and the Ambulance Service should be looking and working with those people to develop a roster that is going to suit not only the needs of the community, but the fatigue levels of the people providing these services."

Mr Hayes is hopeful the recent IRC decision on rural paramedic rosters will assist in the fresh round of negotiations.

Mr Hayes says the Commission's ruling was a win for common-sense.

"The IRC has very supportive of fair rosters that avoid fatigue and so forth," he said.

"I would hope the Ambulance Service learnt a lot from that going forward into further roster negotiations, not revisit the problems, I must say were very expensive, to be fought out in the Commission.

"We should be able to sit down with our members at the stations, with the management in the area and work out a roster acceptable to everybody."